Timeline
16:06
Visit the Chazen Museum of Art. The quiet galleries are a perfect way to spend the hour before the evening rush, and the exhibits change regularly.
16:30
Walk four minutes north to The Memorial Union Terrace. This is your viewing spot. Face south toward Lake Mendota to catch the sunset reflecting off the water. Be sure to sample Babcock Ice Cream, made locally at Babcock Dairy Hall, whose profits help fund the UW-Madison dairy program.
17:03
Head west and walk seven minutes to Paul's Pel'meni for dinner. Order traditional Russian dumplings filled with beef or potato. Try it with "The Works" (curry powder, chili sauce) for a flavorful kick.
17:33
Finish the night with a drink four minutes away at Mediterranean Cafe. It is a narrow room that is a favorite with the university crowd. Great Middle Eastern food, such as shawerma and felafel. It is almost always busy, but it moves fast.
Local tip
The Memorial Union Terrace is open to the public, but check the hours for Babcock Dairy Hall if you want to ensure the ice cream is available when you arrive for sunset.
Check before you go
- The Chazen Museum of Art is open Mo-Fr 10:00-19:00 and Sa,Su 11:00-17:00. On January 15, sunset is at 16:48, so the museum will be open for your pre-sunset visit.
- Paul's Pel'meni is open until 22:30 on weekdays, giving you plenty of time for dinner after sunset.
- Mediterranean Cafe closes at 20:00, so plan to arrive there shortly after dinner to enjoy a drink before closing.
Worth knowing
- Mediterranean Cafe is open at 17:33 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).